James Daniel Harhen graduated with the Thetford Academy Class of 2003. James then chose to attend the University of Vermont for several reasons. The first was its Education Program. Of his coursework he says, "My education classes at UVM were by far some of my favorites. The classes developed students in teaching strategies, and as people. There was also a lot of hands-on time in actual classrooms and study halls." Another reason he chose UVM was its location: it was far enough away from home to be on his own, yet close enough to be back in Thetford easily. He graduated from UVM in 2007 with a degree in Secondary Education and Broadfield History.

 

While at UVM, he joined Army ROTC, which helped to pay for most of his education costs.  He saw the army as a chance to travel abroad and be involved in real world issues. He says that being in the Boy Scouts in Thetford, with Scoutmaster Jim LaMontagne (a fellow TA alumnus) played a role in guiding his path. This was due partly because the scout meetings were held at the American Legion, and James had the opportunity to meet veterans there. Also, according to James, the Boy Scouts instilled values in him that are very similar to those he finds in the Army. He reflects, "But at the base of it all is probably that I am a bit of an idealist. I was looking for a way to serve and make a change. I chose the National Guard because there were other things I hoped to do as well, such as teach and coach and start a family."

James is currently stationed on Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan as a 1st Lieutenant in the Vermont Army National Guard. His unit is Alpha Company (Engineers), Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain). They are based out of the armory in Bradford, Vermont. His job is to run security patrols in the area, and because there are upwards of seventy villages in their Area of Operation, he meets with many village elders. He works with the elders to resolve issues in their villages, examples of which are the supply of clean water, jobs, repair and construction of buildings, school supplies, and medical care.

When asked about his favorite teacher from his years at Thetford Academy, James says, "Bill Riley stands out the most because of his eccentric personality, and I feel he best prepared me for the academics in college. His big final history paper that everyone freaked out about was successfully used by me as a template for format and citation in the dozens of history papers I wrote in college." He also remembers his first Founder's Day Celebration, "Founders day was always a blast, especially the first couple. I remember I played Mr. McGinn during our 7th grade skit. I lectured a student on the TA values. Mr. McGinn told me I was in big trouble afterward (with a smile on his face), but it was still terrifying for a 7th grader."

James comments on the support from Vermont that he and his unit have received for their mission . School supplies sent from families back home have been distributed to hundreds of children in one of the local schools. He noticed that the most requested item by children on the streets in Afghanistan is a pen. "We try and help them out when we can, but there is never enough Humanitarian Assistance for everyone. I would challenge people to just look for any that are targeting the schools and infrastructure directly here in Afghanistan. The Afghan people are incredibly hospitable by culture, something many Americans could stand to take note of."